State Police: Trooper Dragged During Drug Arrest

A trooper was dragged by a fleeing suspect during an undercover drug operation, state police said.

GRISWOLD — A trooper was dragged by a fleeing suspect Thursday during a drug investigation, state police said.

According to police, the clash happened about 4 p.m. on Norman Road when two troopers who were working undercover approached a man who they believed had heroin on him.

When the suspect realized what was going on, the man — who had just arrived home — returned to his Hyundai Sonata and put it in reverse, police said. One of the troopers was caught between the open driver's side door and the car and was dragged for about 60 feet and thrown, they said.

The trooper fire his gun, striking the driver's side door but missing the suspect. The car came to a stop, and the troopers took the suspect into custody, police said.

Ryan Johnson, 29, of Norman Road in Griswold was charged with assault of a public safety officer, interfering with an officer and with illegal possession of heroin and possession with intent to sell.

He was checked by medics after he complained of an injury, police said. He was in custody early Friday on $250,000 bail and was scheduled to be arraigned later in the day at Superior Court in Norwich.

The troopers were transported to William W. Backus Hospital in Norwich, where they were treated for minor injuries and discharged.